/https://sportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net/uploads/2025/09/palhinha-68d8519b4292c564868091.jpg "Tottenham must secure £27m deal in 2026 for midfielder - Sports Mole")
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Joao Palhinha has been enjoying a terrific 2025-26 season after moving to the north London club in the summer on loan from Bayern Munich.Â
The 30-year-old joined Bayern from Fulham in 2024 for £43.1m, but he failed to establish himself as a first-team regular under Vincent Kompany and gradually dropped down the pecking order at the club.Â
Palhinha grabbed the opportunity with both hands when Spurs took him on loan, and he has rediscovered his mojo after putting in some scintillating midfield displays under Thomas Frank.Â
The Portuguese international has scored two goals in his five starts in the Premier League, and the defensive midfielder has proved to be a perfect fit in Frank's system, where defensive structure is prioritised.Â
Palhinha's stats reflect his terrific revivalÂ
According to Squawka, Palhinha has made the most tackles (17) in Europe's top five leagues in September, ahead of Sevilla's Gabriel Suazo and Getafe's Abdel Abqar, both on 16.Â
In the Premier League, the former Sporting CP midfielder has made 3.8 tackles per game, and his total of 23 tackles is the highest in the Premier League ahead of Leeds United's Sean Longstaff (19).Â
At Bayern, multiple factors worked against Palhinha, with injuries being one of them, and he was like a round peg in a square hole within Kompany's system.Â
Had Palhinha moved under Ange Postecoglou, the transfer may not have worked, as he would have struggled to find his feet in his cavalier and chaotic approach. Luckily for him, Frank's system was tailor-made for him, and as a result, we are getting the best version of Palhinha once again.Â
Tottenham must sign Palhinha permanentlyÂ
Spurs have the option to sign the midfielder permanently for £27m, and they must opt for that route, especially if Palhinha continues to maintain his impressive form.
The midfielder reportedly wants to stay at the north London club, and he would be thrilled if Tottenham decide to take up the option of signing him permanently.Â
Palhinha produced arguably one of his best performances against Manchester City this season, but he also dazzled in midfield against Brighton, Doncaster and Wolverhampton Wanderers last month.Â
The Bayern-owned midfielder will definitely be required in games where Spurs need to control possession and build attacks with patience, and therefore, it is a no-brainer to pay £27m to retain his services next summer.Â